More on Eastern Connecticut

“This clarification of the tax revenue procedure announced last year will have a major impact for homeowners whose repair costs exceed their annual income,” said Courtney and Larson. “We are grateful to have the support of the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants and their Executive Director, Bonnie Stewart, in this critical matter for homeowners in northcentral and northeastern Connecticut."

“The federal government’s demonstrated support for the safety and operations of our first responders who dedicate their lives to protect our neighborhoods represents an important allegiance that betters all of our communities,” said Congressman Courtney. “This grant funding is excellent news for the South Windham Fire Department. I applaud Ted Colwell for his steadfast efforts to secure this funding.

VERNON — For over an hour Tuesday night, residents of three of the communities hit hardest by the crumbling concrete epidemic — Ellington, Stafford, and Vernon — registered their unanimous support for an application that could result in federal money for foundation testing.

“It is critical that the federal government demonstrate its unwavering support for the safety and operations of our first responders who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities,” said the delegation members. “This grant funding is excellent news for the New London Fire Department, which oversees one of the most densely populated municipalities in eastern Connecticut."

New London — Federal money is aiding the city fire department in taking preventative measures against cancer rates, as well as training for technical rescues in anticipation of upcoming work under the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney announced the department was awarded a $251,799 grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The city is contributing $25,179.

Santiago “Santi” Rodriguez, a 14-year-old New London boy who loves soccer and basketball, is a healthy high school sophomore thanks to research and treatment by the National Institutes of Health.

But the NIH researchers’ effort to learn from the young man and his mother through after his participation in an experimental treatment program is at risk. His father, an immigrant from Colombia, faces deportation, two members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation said Tuesday.

“Day in and day out, firefighters put their lives on the line to save others,” said Blumenthal, Murphy, DeLauro, Courtney, and Esty. “It’s critical that fire departments have best, most up-to-date equipment and resources available to get the job done safely and effectively. We are thankful for the courageous work the firefighters in Middlefield, Plymouth, and Stafford do on behalf of our communities, and we’ll continue to fight for these federal programs that support Connecticut’s first responders.”

“This award comes at a crucial time for the Cross Sound Ferry which has been rapidly picking up in popularity and the funding will be used to further improve the passenger experience,” said Courtney. “The grant shows that the Department of Transportation has recognized that the Cross Sound Ferry has become an integral part of our regional transportation network. I will continue to work with Cross Sound Ferry as well as regional leaders to further build upon this vital economic link between Eastern Connecticut and Long Island.”

New London — The Women's Business Development Council has held events and programs in a lot of Connecticut communities, but CEO Fran Pastore said she has never had the kind of reception she's had in New London.

Support was evident on Wednesday afternoon, when dozens of elected officials and business leaders — both local and from across the state — packed into the sweltering offices of the new Women's Business Center on the fourth floor of 300 State St.

Despite the federal government lowering a tariff affecting U.S. newspapers, local stakeholders and public officials would like to see the border tax eliminated altogether.
Last week, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced final determinations in the antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations of imports of uncoated groundwood paper, also known as newsprint, from Canada resulting in a reduction on the tariff, previously capped at 22.16 percent to a rate capped at 16.88 percent.